Teen Suicide isn't the Answer
By Jessie SmithDarkness. Despair. No one understands me. I'm all alone. Help. Please, somebody help me.
It's by far one of the most horrible epidemics plaguing teenagers. Endless rock groups have devoted entire songs based on the feelings, moods, and uncontrollable depression that can lead to the ultimate end. Parents are constantly drilled to listen to their children without judging and above all else, communicate openly with them. Yet, in spite of new technology, drugs to overcome almost all mental illnesses, and media attention surrounding the problems of today's youth, teen suicide is devastating more families than ever before.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement regarding the dramatic rise in this disease. "Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all persons regardless of age, sex or race; the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24; and the fourth leading cause of death for persons between the ages of 10 and 14."
The American Academy of Pediatrics also wrote that a suicidal individual has been spiraling downward for so long that they truly believe there is no way out, and no hope for the future. Suicidal individuals may constantly contemplate ideas such as "Maybe if I just shoot myself, they'll all feel sorry for me. My name will be announced over the intercom, and then I'll be noticed. I simply do not want to go on."
In reality, suicide is not a glamorous way to go. Counselor Ms. Kathy Janata said that many schools refuse to announce over the intercom that a student has killed themself, or publicly acknowledge even the funeral arrangements. Their reason is to decrease suicide publicity. When a school creates a lot of hype over something that tragic, the idea might be portrayed that killing oneself is a romantic way to go, especially if you are already on a path of self-destruction.
"It really is a selfish act, unless someone is so irrational and not thinking clearly. ThereUs so much help out there. Suicide should never be an option," Ms. Janata said. The act is emotionally wrecking to the family and friends of the individual. But a teen that is seriously considering this option does not think that way. They are basically unable to put anything into perspective. All they know is that life is so completely miserable that suicide seems to be the only choice.
Senior Jamie Belmont holds a painful memory of a friend who committed suicide. She smiles as she described her friend's personality before his recent death. "He's the person that would tell you honestly about things, but he'd put it in a way where you could laugh it off. Everyone loved him," she said.
There seemed to be virtually no warning signs. The night Belmont found out about the suicide is one that unfortunately, will never be forgotten.
"It's that fear and that 'Oh my God.' I was in such a state of shock. I couldn't even cry," she said.
"There's always: I could have, why didn't I, I should have. I don't think that he realized how much he affected everyone," Belmont said. There is no end for the pain in the hearts of victimUs family, and few are able to truly ever find peace.
Risky behavior such as a binge drinking (alcohol is a recognized depressant), use of drugs, unexpected rebellion, and personality changes can all be classified as red flags that a friend is experiencing extreme depression and has had thoughts of killing themself. The best way to help? According to professionals, listen and talk to them. They need to understand that there is hope for the future. Talk about their emotions. Make sure they know their problems are serious, and treatment is available. If you feel that a friend is suicidal and think that no one knows, you will feel much better about it by going to a counselor and discussing your fears. Even if you lose the friendship, it is better than losing a life. "There are so many ways it could be prevented," said sophomore Erin Byrnes.
Look through the halls of Marian. Do you see that senior who can not stop stressing over getting into her first choice college? Or what about the underclassman with her head buried in her textbook? Do not forget the girl laughing by her locker who seems to always be happy.
This ailment is striking virtually everywhere, in every school. So please, smile at that freshman, congratulate that athlete on playing well, and make sure your friends know how much you truly love and cherish them. You just might be saving a life.
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